Background and Career Journey
Could you please share a bit about your background and how you got started in the event management industry?
Nigel: I am British by birth, though I’ve spent the majority of my life abroad. From the age of three onward, I’ve resided in various countries including The Netherlands, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and my current home, Singapore. My journey into the event management industry began serendipitously. Freshly graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management from Hotelschool the Hague, I was casually browsing job opportunities on the school’s intranet.
Nigel: I am British by birth, though I’ve spent the majority of my life abroad. From the age of three onward, I’ve resided in various countries including The Netherlands, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and my current home, Singapore. My journey into the event management industry began serendipitously. Freshly graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management from Hotelschool the Hague, I was casually browsing job opportunities on the school’s intranet.
One day, I stumbled upon a part-time position within the events team at the headquarters of the International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA) in Amsterdam. Little did I know that this chance discovery would shape my career. My initial application for the part-time role eventually led to a full-time position, marking the commencement of my seven-year tenure with ICCA. During this time, I orchestrated a multitude of events worldwide, honing my event management skills.
In 2010, an opportunity emerged at Singex Exhibition Ventures (Singapore EXPO) in Singapore. This transition allowed me to immerse myself in large-scale trade and consumer exhibitions, along with conferences, as part of the project management team.Following my rewarding stint at Singapore EXPO, I was approached by an Australian consultancy firm that specializes in destination and venue advisory. I joined their ranks and have since dedicated my efforts to this consultancy, contributing my expertise to the global business events landscape.
One day, I stumbled upon a part-time position within the events team at the headquarters of the International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA) in Amsterdam. Little did I know that this chance discovery would shape my career. My initial application for the part-time role eventually led to a full-time position, marking the commencement of my seven-year tenure with ICCA. During this time, I orchestrated a multitude of events worldwide, honing my event management skills.
What attracted you to Kingscom Worldwide, and could you tell us about your current role / Kingscom projects as our Event Lead?
Nigel: What drew me to Kingscom Worldwide is the strong alignment I share with Mike Richters, the Agency Lead, in terms of our approach to collaboration with complementary partners. This strategic vision revolves around seamlessly integrating various services to provide comprehensive solutions with clients at its core. With a two-decade background in the international business events sector, I am well-equipped to serve as a central resource for clients, streamlining their event-related requirements and allowing them to concentrate on their core goals.
Nigel: What drew me to Kingscom Worldwide is the strong alignment I share with Mike Richters, the Agency Lead, in terms of our approach to collaboration with complementary partners. This strategic vision revolves around seamlessly integrating various services to provide comprehensive solutions with clients at its core. With a two-decade background in the international business events sector, I am well-equipped to serve as a central resource for clients, streamlining their event-related requirements and allowing them to concentrate on their core goals.
Presently, in my capacity as the Event Lead, I’m engaged in several impactful projects under the Kingscom banner. Notably, we are working with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) for a significant undertaking—the creation of The Netherlands Pavilion at the upcoming Seafood Expo Asia scheduled from September 11th to 13th in Singapore. Our involvement spans diverse areas, including extending marketing support to enhance the Dutch presence, meticulously overseeing the entire construction process of the pavilion, facilitating accommodation and transportation arrangements, and managing the project as a whole. Our comprehensive management of these intricate details ensures that RVO can effectively concentrate on nurturing the Dutch delegation and achieving their key objectives.
Presently, in my capacity as the Event Lead, I’m engaged in several impactful projects under the Kingscom banner. Notably, we are working with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) for a significant undertaking—the creation of The Netherlands Pavilion at the upcoming Seafood Expo Asia scheduled from September 11th to 13th in Singapore. Our involvement spans diverse areas, including extending marketing support to enhance the Dutch presence, meticulously overseeing the entire construction process of the pavilion, facilitating accommodation and transportation arrangements, and managing the project as a whole. Our comprehensive management of these intricate details ensures that RVO can effectively concentrate on nurturing the Dutch delegation and achieving their key objectives.
Insights into Event Management
What, in your opinion, sets Kingscom Worldwide apart from other event management agencies?
Presently, in my capacity as the Event Lead, I’m engaged in several impactful projects under the Kingscom banner. Notably, we are working with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) for a significant undertaking—the creation of The Netherlands Pavilion at the upcoming Seafood Expo Asia scheduled from September 11th to 13th in Singapore. Our involvement spans diverse areas, including extending marketing support to enhance the Dutch presence, meticulously overseeing the entire construction process of the pavilion, facilitating accommodation and transportation arrangements, and managing the project as a whole. Our comprehensive management of these intricate details ensures that RVO can effectively concentrate on nurturing the Dutch delegation and achieving their key objectives.
Presently, in my capacity as the Event Lead, I’m engaged in several impactful projects under the Kingscom banner. Notably, we are working with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) for a significant undertaking—the creation of The Netherlands Pavilion at the upcoming Seafood Expo Asia scheduled from September 11th to 13th in Singapore. Our involvement spans diverse areas, including extending marketing support to enhance the Dutch presence, meticulously overseeing the entire construction process of the pavilion, facilitating accommodation and transportation arrangements, and managing the project as a whole. Our comprehensive management of these intricate details ensures that RVO can effectively concentrate on nurturing the Dutch delegation and achieving their key objectives.
Could you share an example of a particularly challenging event that you and your team successfully managed?
Nigel: One of the most notable instances that comes to mind is from my early days in Singapore. An art exhibition titled “A Moving Masterpiece: The Song Dynasty As Living Art.” This event posed a significant challenge due to its scale – encompassing an expansive 10,000 square meters of space. At its focal point was a remarkable animated rendition of Qing Ming Shang He Tu, spanning an impressive 128 meters by 6.5 meters. This reproduction had garnered immense attention as the standout feature of the China Pavilion during the preceding year’s Shanghai World Expo, marking its inaugural showcase beyond greater China in Singapore.
Nigel: One of the most notable instances that comes to mind is from my early days in Singapore. An art exhibition titled “A Moving Masterpiece: The Song Dynasty As Living Art.” This event posed a significant challenge due to its scale – encompassing an expansive 10,000 square meters of space. At its focal point was a remarkable animated rendition of Qing Ming Shang He Tu, spanning an impressive 128 meters by 6.5 meters. This reproduction had garnered immense attention as the standout feature of the China Pavilion during the preceding year’s Shanghai World Expo, marking its inaugural showcase beyond greater China in Singapore.
Within the organizing team, I shouldered the responsibility of orchestrating the entire ticket sales process for this event, which resulted in a ticket revenue exceeding SGD 1 million. Throughout my career, this event remains unmatched in terms of size and duration. While it did entail its fair share of sleepless nights, it is also one of the most fulfilling accomplishments I’ve had in my career.
Within the organizing team, I shouldered the responsibility of orchestrating the entire ticket sales process for this event, which resulted in a ticket revenue exceeding SGD 1 million. Throughout my career, this event remains unmatched in terms of size and duration. While it did entail its fair share of sleepless nights, it is also one of the most fulfilling accomplishments I’ve had in my career.
Industry Trends and Advice
What recent trends do you see shaping the future of the event management industry?
Nigel: From my perspective, what distinguishes Kingscom Worldwide is its distinctive focus on clients, combined with an extensive network of reliable and trusted partners. This unique combination enables Kingscom to readily adjust its resources to match the exact requirements of each client. This not only streamlines the client’s experience by consolidating interactions to a single point of contact, but it also guarantees cost-effectiveness, as clients only invest in the services they truly require.
Nigel: From my perspective, what distinguishes Kingscom Worldwide is its distinctive focus on clients, combined with an extensive network of reliable and trusted partners. This unique combination enables Kingscom to readily adjust its resources to match the exact requirements of each client. This not only streamlines the client’s experience by consolidating interactions to a single point of contact, but it also guarantees cost-effectiveness, as clients only invest in the services they truly require.
For aspiring event professionals, what advice would you give to help them succeed in this industry?
Nigel: My one piece of advice would be to never stop learning and stay curious. Last year I was part of the first batch of graduates in the world to receive the Certified International Convention Specialist (CICS) from the International Congress and Convention Association so am a testament to the benefits of lifelong learning. Join your local and international trade associations to enjoy the education, networking and business opportunities this presents. Getting actively involved will enhance your knowledge, broaden your network for career opportunities, generate business leads and allows you to be up-to-date on all the latest and greatest within the industry.
Nigel: My one piece of advice would be to never stop learning and stay curious. Last year I was part of the first batch of graduates in the world to receive the Certified International Convention Specialist (CICS) from the International Congress and Convention Association so am a testament to the benefits of lifelong learning. Join your local and international trade associations to enjoy the education, networking and business opportunities this presents. Getting actively involved will enhance your knowledge, broaden your network for career opportunities, generate business leads and allows you to be up-to-date on all the latest and greatest within the industry.
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